Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners face. Whether it’s in your kitchen, bathroom, or utility room, a clogged drain can disrupt your daily routine, cause unpleasant odors, and even lead to expensive repairs. Fortunately, many clogs can be prevented with proper care and attention. At Call Expert Bro, we’ve gathered expert tips to help you avoid clogged drains and keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape.
By following these simple, yet effective tips, you can save yourself the hassle and cost of dealing with stubborn clogs and keep your home’s drains running smoothly.
1. Use Drain Covers to Catch Debris
One of the easiest ways to prevent clogs is by using drain covers or strainers in your sinks, bathtubs, and showers. These simple tools catch hair, soap scum, food particles, and other debris that might otherwise make their way into the pipes.
In the kitchen, use a mesh cover to catch food scraps and prevent them from going down the drain. In the bathroom, consider using a larger strainer that will catch hair and soap buildup, which are the primary culprits of bathroom clogs.
Call Expert Bro Tip: Regularly clean out the drain covers to prevent debris from building up on top.
2. Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Kitchen Sink
One of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs is pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain. When these substances cool, they harden and form stubborn blockages in the pipes. Instead, pour used cooking oils and grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Call Expert Bro Tip: Use paper towels to wipe out grease from pans before washing them in the sink to prevent it from entering your drains.
3. Dispose of Food Waste Properly
It’s tempting to rinse leftover food down the kitchen sink, but certain food items can lead to clogs. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and pasta down the drain, as they can easily create blockages. Additionally, coffee grounds and eggshells can settle in your pipes and create sticky clogs over time.
Call Expert Bro Tip: Always scrape your plates into the trash or compost bin before washing them. If you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly and avoid putting hard-to-grind items in it.
4. Regularly Flush Your Drains with Hot Water
One of the simplest ways to maintain clear drains is to flush them with hot water on a regular basis. Once a week, run hot water down your kitchen and bathroom drains for a few minutes. This will help break down any oils, soap scum, or grease that may be building up in your pipes.
Call Expert Bro Tip: You can also add a bit of baking soda followed by vinegar to your drains before flushing with hot water. The combination can help loosen up any minor clogs and keep your drains clear.
5. Be Careful with Hair in the Bathroom
Hair is one of the leading causes of clogged bathroom drains. Whether it’s long hair from the shower or strands that fall into the sink, hair can quickly build up in your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent this, use a hair catcher or strainer in your shower or bathtub drain.
Call Expert Bro Tip: If you have long hair, try to comb or brush it before entering the shower to reduce the amount of hair that ends up in the drain.
6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy solution for a clogged drain, they can actually do more harm than good. These harsh chemicals can erode your pipes over time, leading to leaks and more significant plumbing issues.
Call Expert Bro Tip: Instead of using chemical cleaners, opt for natural methods like baking soda and vinegar, or call in the experts at Call Expert Bro for a safe and effective drain cleaning.
7. Don’t Overload Your Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, it’s important to use it properly to avoid clogs. Overloading the disposal with large amounts of food or putting hard items like bones or pits down the drain can cause it to malfunction or lead to clogs further down the line.
Call Expert Bro Tip: Run cold water while using the disposal to help food particles move through the pipes and prevent buildup. Be sure to turn the disposal off before stopping the water to ensure everything is fully ground up.
8. Install a Whole-House Water Filter
Hard water can lead to mineral buildup in your pipes over time, which can cause slow drains and clogs. Installing a whole-house water filter can help reduce the amount of minerals in your water, which can protect your plumbing and keep your drains clear.
Call Expert Bro Tip: A whole-house water filter can also improve the quality of your water and prevent issues with soap scum buildup in your bathroom drains.
9. Keep an Eye on the Roots
Tree roots can sometimes invade your plumbing system, particularly if you have older pipes. As the roots grow, they can penetrate cracks and joints in your pipes, causing blockages and even pipe bursts. Regular inspections by Call Expert Bro can help identify root intrusion early, allowing for preventive measures.
Call Expert Bro Tip: If you notice slow drainage in your yard or find areas of standing water, tree roots may be interfering with your plumbing. Contact us for a professional inspection.
10. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Regular maintenance is key to preventing plumbing problems before they arise. Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection with Call Expert Bro ensures that your plumbing system is in good shape and your drains are clear of any buildup or potential clogs.
Call Expert Bro Tip: During a professional inspection, our expert plumbers can identify any weak spots in your plumbing system and address small issues before they turn into major problems.
Conclusion
Preventing clogged drains is much easier than dealing with the aftermath of a serious blockage. By following these expert tips from Call Expert Bro, you can keep your home’s drains in excellent condition and avoid costly repairs. Remember, regular maintenance, proper disposal practices, and professional help when needed will ensure that your plumbing system runs smoothly for years to come.
If you ever encounter a clog you can’t handle on your own, don’t hesitate to call Call Expert Bro. Our team of professionals is always ready to provide fast, reliable drain cleaning services to keep your home’s plumbing in perfect working order.